Australia just need seven weeks of consistency to win World Cup: Gregan

SAPPORO, Japan: Australia’s most capped player George Gregan has backed the Wallabies to surprise a few people at this year’s Rugby World Cup if they can overcome the inconsistencies that have plagued them for the last three years.

The Wallabies endured their worst test campaign in 60 years in 2018, winning four out of 13 matches and slumping to sixth in the world rankings.

With attacking weapons such as Kurtley Beale, Nick Phipps and Israel Folau, Australia can be contenders in Japan. Credit:Stuart Walmsley/RUGBY.com.au

However, former scrumhalf Gregan, who scored 99 points in 139 internationals, believes Michael Cheika’s men can peak come tournament time in September, just as they did in 2015 when they reached the final.

“They do have time in a World Cup year, which is a unique year. It is about getting it right when you get over here,” said Gregan in an interview in Sapporo. “I just see the margins now, particularly amongst the top eight teams, getting smaller and smaller. They can flip that switch, they have that in them.”